Verdict
For a Malaysian buyer, the RM66,000 gap is substantial: the RM395,888 Lexus NX brings a 7.7-second 0-100 km/h time, adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, a head-up display and a 14-inch screen. The RM329,888 Mercedes-Benz GLC counters with 201 hp and 320 Nm, against 184 hp and 221 Nm, plus a far longer 2,888 mm wheelbase and 620-litre boot. Its RM440 annual road tax also undercuts the NX’s RM830. The NX is better equipped for long motorway commutes; the GLC is the more rational space-and-performance buy.
Pick the Lexus NX if adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, a head-up display, ventilated seats and a five-year unlimited-mileage warranty matter more than outright cabin space.
Pick the Mercedes-Benz GLC if you want RM66,000 in hand, 320 Nm of torque, a 620-litre boot and a 2,888 mm wheelbase.
Key differences
- Price: Lexus NX RM395,888; Mercedes-Benz GLC RM329,888.
- Power and torque: Lexus NX 184 hp and 221 Nm; Mercedes-Benz GLC 201 hp and 320 Nm.
- 0-100 km/h: Lexus NX 7.7 seconds; Mercedes-Benz GLC 7.8 seconds.
- Wheelbase and boot space: Lexus NX 2,690 mm and 520 litres; Mercedes-Benz GLC 2,888 mm and 620 litres.
- Road tax: Lexus NX RM830 per year; Mercedes-Benz GLC RM440 per year.
- Warranty: Lexus NX five years unlimited mileage; Mercedes-Benz GLC four years unlimited mileage.
NX
- Adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go and head-up display.
- 14-inch touchscreen with 10 speakers.
- Ventilated front seats and five-year unlimited-mileage warranty.
- Costs RM66,000 more.
- Has 184 hp and 221 Nm versus the GLC’s 201 hp and 320 Nm.
- Its 520-litre boot is 100 litres smaller.
GLC
- 201 hp, 320 Nm and a 221 km/h top speed.
- 620-litre boot and 2,888 mm wheelbase.
- Lower RM440 annual road tax, plus auto parking and rear window shades.
- Passive cruise control instead of adaptive stop-and-go cruise control.
- No head-up display.
- Four-year unlimited-mileage warranty is one year shorter.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM395,888 | RM329,888✓ |
| Body type | SUV | SUV |
| Segment | Compact Executive | Compact Executive |
| Assembly | CBU | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM830 | RM440✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-valve DOHC, naturally-aspirated with variable valve timing and hybrid assistance | 16-valve DOHC, Turbocharged with Direct Fuel Injection and Variable Valve Timing, Mild Hybrid Assist |
| Capacity | 2,487 cc | 1,999 cc |
| Horsepower | 184 hp | 201 hp✓ |
| Torque | 221 Nm | 320 Nm✓ |
| Fuel | Petrol Hybrid/REV | Petrol Hybrid/REV |
| Bore | 87.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 14 | 10 |
| Number of Motors | 2 | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | 133 hp✓ | 23 hp |
| Motor Torque | 208 Nm✓ | 205 Nm |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 8-Speed Direct Shift | 9G-Tronic |
| Gears | 8 | 9 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Aisin | — |
| Driveline | All Wheel Drive | All Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| 0-100 km/h | 7.7 seconds✓ | 7.8 seconds |
| Top Speed | 200 km/h | 221 km/h✓ |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,660 mm | 4,716 mm |
| Width | 1,865 mm | 1,890 mm |
| Height | 1,670 mm | 1,640 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,690 mm | 2,888 mm |
| Weight | 1,765 kg | — |
| Fuel Tank | 55 litres | 62 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 520 litres | 620 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 235/50R20 | 255/45R20 |
| Rear Tyre | 235/50R20 | 285/40R20 |
| Spare Tyre | — | N/A, Tyre Repair Kit |
| Factory Tyres | Bridgestone Alenza 001 Run-flats | Continental EcoContact 6 Q |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Japan (CBU) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | Multi-link |
| Rear Suspension | Double Wishbone | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 20" Dark Grey Metallic with Bright Machined Finish Alloy | 20" Alloys |
| Rear Wheels | 20" Dark Grey Metallic with Bright Machined Finish Alloy | 20" Alloys |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger, Driver's Knee, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | — |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | ✓ | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available on Two Outer Rear Passenger Seats | Available on outer two rear seats |
| Autonomous Braking System | Yes | Yes |
| Lane-keeping Assist | Steering Correction | Steering Correction |
| Collision Warning | ✓ | ✓ |
| Seatbelt Reminder | For All Seats | All Seats |
| Safety Notes | Rear Cross Traffic Alert (RCTA), TPMS | — |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | 3 LED Projectors | LED Reflectors |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | 8-way Power Adjustable Front Seats with Driver's Memory Function, Ventilated | Power Adjustable Front Seats with Memory & Heating |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding | 40:20:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control System with Lexus Climate Concierge | Dual-zone Automatic Climate Control |
| Rear Air-con | Rear Vents | Rear AC Vents |
| Power Sockets | 1 Front, 1 Rear | 1 Front, 1 Wireless Charger, 2 USB-C Front, 2 USB-C Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights and Ambient Lights (64 Colours) | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 2 Rear | 2 Front, 2 Rear |
| Sun Shade | — | Rear Window Shades |
| Audio | 14" Lexus Premium Audio Touchscreen with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and 10 Speakers | 11.9" Touchscreen Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) with Voice Control, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and 8 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Start | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Start/Stop | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cruise Control | Adaptive Cruise Control with Stop and Go | Passive Cruise Control |
| Paddle Shift | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Electric Steering Adjustment | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Powered Boot with Contactless Opening | Powered Boot |
| Parking Sensor Front | 4 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 6 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes, with Panoramic View Camera | Yes, with 360-degree Camera |
| Auto Parking | — | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | ✓ | ✓ |
| Head-up Display | ✓ | — |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Full LCD Monitor | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Electronic | Electronic |
| Convenience Notes | Qi Wireless Charger, Smart Card Key | — |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years✓ | 4 years |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used NX & GLC for sale
NX vs GLC FAQ
Is the Lexus NX or Mercedes-Benz GLC better?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC is the stronger value choice with more power, torque, cabin length and boot space for less money. Choose the Lexus NX for its adaptive stop-and-go cruise control, head-up display, ventilated seats and longer warranty.
What is the price difference?
The Lexus NX costs RM395,888 and the Mercedes-Benz GLC costs RM329,888, so the Lexus is RM66,000 dearer.
Which has the larger boot?
The Mercedes-Benz GLC has the larger boot at 620 litres, compared with 520 litres in the Lexus NX. Its wheelbase is also 198 mm longer, at 2,888 mm versus 2,690 mm.